Vertebra Definition

vûrtə-brə
vertebrae, vertebras
noun
Any of the single bones or segments of the spinal column, articulating in the higher vertebrates with those adjacent to it by means of elastic fibrous disks.
Webster's New World

Any of the small bones which make up the backbone.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Vertebra

Noun

Singular:
vertebra
Plural:
vertebrae, vertebras

Origin of Vertebra

  • From Latin vertebra (“joint"), from vertere (“to turn"). Having multiple vertebrae (plural of vertebra) in one's backbone instead of having a single bone or solid spine, allows for the movement of the body with bends and turns. Hence meaning 1.

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Latin from vertere to turn wer-2 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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